Stay in the loop

Sign up for our free email newsletter. Unsubscribe anytime or contact us for details.

The hottest new restaurants in Toronto can attribute their popularity to more than just food and drink. Sure the brisket, pasta and brunch options are on point, but more than that, these places also boast lively dining rooms, killer patios and party vibes that everyone seems to want in on.

The DimeThe Dime has just opened and it's already attracting a crowd. The newest bar from the Warehouse group offers a punk rock party vibe along with its signature $4.95 menu.

J&J Bar-B-QueDon't snooze on this new Kensington Market smokehouse. I mean that literally. Go early in the day or you might just find out that the melt-in-your-mouth brisket and peppery ribs are sold out.

LavelleThis rooftop restaurant and bar on King West offers an air of exclusivity in addition to soaring views, cabanas and a menu of seafood platters, tuna tartare and dry-aged rib eyed steak.

Her Father's CiderThe bar at this Harbord Village restaurant is devoted to craft cider, while the kitchen supplies thoughtful accompaniments to the fruity brews. Sample flights from the collection of 80-plus ciders along with deviled eggs, pork rilettes and mini raclette.

PlatitoFilipino soul food in Baldwin Village became an instant sensation when images of Platito's ube waffles and fried chicken started to surface. Initially, this place couldn't even keep up with demand, but it's finally found its footing.

Cherry Street Bar-B-Que In this sparsely populated area near Cherry Beach, the patio and menu of slow smoked BBQ has proved a major draw for this joint. During peak hours, you might even need to eat your beloved brisket and ribs, gasp, inside.

Belfast LoveKing West has truly embraced this West Coast transplant. Find the place bustling at lunch, dinner and brunch as locals pour in for the 40 craft beers on tap, menu of elevated pub grub and lovely corner patio.

Three HandsThis Dundas West restaurant is a popular new destination for drinking and dining. Look forward to bowls of mussels loaded with parm fries, snackable fried olives, and ultra hot wings smothered in Death Mango sauce.

ArdoThis sophisticated Southern Italian restaurant on King East is winning over locals and tourists with its pizza, house-made pasta and freshly piped cannoli.

Gyu-KakuThis Japanese BBQ joint debuted in Toronto this summer and has attracted an instant following for its meaty offerings grilled at the table. Standouts include the Kobe-style rib eye steak and DIY s'mores for dessert.